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A Letter From Disneyland Resort President, Rebecca Campbell
Friends and Neighbors,

This week, we passed the one-month milestone since closing the gates of the Disneyland Resort as a result of COVID-19, so I wanted to give you an update about what we are doing to keep our guests and cast members safe; how we continue to support our community; and the steps we’re taking to protect the future of our business moving forward.

Like many businesses around the world, the Disneyland Resort had significant decisions to make. The first was to close the park in advance of government mandate, which we did to curb the spread of the virus in Orange County. This was an unprecedented step for us – an emotional one for all of our cast and guests – but one that was done in an abundance of caution and safety.

Then, to keep them safe, we implemented a stay-at-home policy for the majority of our cast members while continuing to pay them for the first full month of closure. Starting next week, many of these cast will enter a furlough program, which allows them to retain their employment status and access federal compensations through the economic stimulus bill, as well as state unemployment insurance benefits. It also allows them to maintain their health and insurance benefits coverage, with the company paying both the employer and employee weekly benefit contributions. While they may not be working at the moment, they are still cast members, still part of our family and we cannot wait to see them again as soon as it is safe. 

While keeping one eye on our cast and business, we’ve kept another on our community, watching how the effects of the virus have swept through our neighborhoods. I am awe-struck by the strength and bravery that Orange County citizens possess, particularly the first responders, emergency services professionals and essential personnel who are putting themselves on the front line of this battlefield. I’m also very proud of our Disney teams throughout the country who have looked to find ways to contribute to the cause, donating more than 100,000 N95 masks and hundreds of pallets of food to the Orange County and Second Harvest food banks. I’m also impressed with the creativity from our team, recognizing that the donation of everyday theme park items such as rain ponchos, can be easily transformed by medical personnel into potentially life-saving personal protection equipment (PPE).

This is truly an unprecedented time we are living in, but I can’t help but stay optimistic that we will get through this, both as a business and as a community. I’ve been inspired by a number of moments since this began that I look to as “glimmers of hope.” A photo of a lamp in Walt Disney’s apartment on Main Street U.S.A. that shines as bright as ever and the daily raising of the American and California flags in Town Square serve as inspirations to all of us.  

I’m also proud to see glimmers of hope throughout the community as businesses, government and residents come together to inspire one another, including a project initiated by the Anaheim Police Department that encouraged hotels and businesses and emergency service departments to display messages of hope for our community, reminding all of us to stay positive, stay connected and stay safe.  

As a company and employer, we are committed to taking appropriate steps to care for our cast and protect our business. And as a member of this community, we are proud to call Anaheim and Orange County home.  

While none of us knows exactly how long this will last, I think we know one thing… Orange County will emerge better and stronger than ever before.  

Sincerely,

Rebecca Campbell
President
Disneyland Resort
Donating to Those in Need During Crisis
In mid-March, cast members sorted and packed food to be picked up by Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.
Since taking the unprecedented steps of temporarily closing our theme parks, we have continued to focus on ways we can make a difference and give back during this time.

Disney Parks recently donated more than 100,000 N95 masks to the states of New York, California and Florida. Additionally, in response to requests from hospitals that are in need of additional protective garments and medical-related supplies, Disney Parks has donated 150,000 rain ponchos to MedShare, a humanitarian aid organization, for distribution to hospitals in need. The idea was inspired by nurses across the country who inventively found that rain ponchos can be an excellent way to protect their clothing and prolong the use of PPE, while also freeing up gowns when needed. 

These efforts follow the recent donation of excess food from the Disneyland Resort to Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products, packaged goods and more were distributed to pantries and distribution sites throughout Orange County.

Collectively, more than 270 tons of food were donated to food banks from Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Paris and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Since March, Disney Parks have provided nearly $3 million in in-kind donations benefitting communities around the globe. 
Disneyland Hotel Lights Up The Night
When the Anaheim Police Department pitched an idea to create a video to bring hope to the community during this difficult time, it didn’t take long for the Disneyland Hotel to land on just the right message.
 
“You can’t help but think of the magic we as cast members provide to guests and cast around the world when you see Mickey Mouse lit up and the positive energy that comes from those who see it,” said Disneyland Hotel General Manager Ron Silagyi.
 
Once the plan was in place, it took only about an hour to create the shape of the Mickey head using 34 room windows in the Fantasy Tower Tuesday night. Ron said it was a first for the hotel, which will be celebrating its 65th anniversary in October. “We all know, it all started with Mickey Mouse and he will continue to be a beacon of happiness for all of us,” he shared. “It truly makes me believe in my heart we will be back and better than ever.”
 
The APD used a drone to fly over several sites around the city, including the department’s main station, where the word “SAFE” was formed using 24 police vehicles. The full video can be viewed on the APD social media channels.
Honoring Health Care Heroes for
World Health Day
Disneyland Resort joined Disney Parks around the globe, along with thousands of others, in honoring health care workers on World Health Day. Celebrated annually on April 7, World Health Day commemorates nurses, doctors and health care staff who work to keep people healthy. This year was particularly meaningful as health care workers continue to work around the clock in the fight against the novel coronavirus.

Cast members who continue to work on property safely during the temporary closure of Disneyland Resort thanked health care workers with flower petals at Disney California Adventure park. 
In Times of Darkness, Our Flag Still Raises
Cast members at the Disneyland Resort are continuing to raise the American flag on Main Street, U.S.A. during the park’s closure. This simple act, performed by security cast members, serves as a daily reminder that Disneyland Resort traditions are still very much alive. Visit abc7.com to view a video of the flag raising ceremony.
Cast Members Share Words of Inspiration
Cast members around the world have been sharing words of inspiration and hope in the symbol that unifies them all — their nametags. Marisa Mansour, catering and convention services senior manager, asked her team to get involved. 
 
“I’ve always believed our nametags are powerful – when you see the iconic shape, you know you are a part of something special,” Marisa told her team, adding, “If your nametag is sitting idle at home, here’s a chance to have it speak powerfully to the world again.” This photo conveys how the words her team chose individually make even more of an impact when they come together, just like the members of our teams.
 
“We will be back to making magic soon enough,” Marisa said. “After all, we are the magic makers! We are #DisneyStrong.”
A Rainbow Shows Us a Glimmer of Hope
As difficult as this the last several weeks have been, signs of hope continue to shine. On a rainy day this week, Kristyn Cordes, food and beverage stage manager at  Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge, was greeted with a brilliant sign of hope.

After finishing her tasks on property, Kristyn was caught in the rain while walking through  Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge. When she stepped on stage, she was greeted by a magnificent rainbow, arched right over the landscape. “I was stunned by the sheer beauty of it, since I had never seen a rainbow so bright,” Kristyn said. “Rainbows signify hope and promise; a promise of peace after pain, joy after sadness, and calm after a storm. While standing there, admiring this scene in awe, I realized this was our glimmer of hope that we will all get through this strange and uncertain time. When we return, I know we will be back stronger than ever.”
Bring #DisneyMagicMoments Into Your Home
#DisneyMagicMoments  lets you experience the magic of Disney wherever you may be. Enjoy Disney,  Pixar Star Wars Marvel , and  National Geographic  with stories, videos and activities to inspire imagination and discovery among kids, fans and families alike. Visit  DisneyMagicMoments.com  to start explorin g.

Learn how to make your favorite foods from Disney Parks at home, draw your favorite characters and listen to stories told by Disney stars. Check back daily for new content.
#HomemadeDisney
We know you’re missing our parks. We are too! Disney Ambassadors and cast members rounded up a few of their favorite #HomemadeDisney videos from guests and fans. Check it out below.
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